Meditation LXXI.
Meditation LXXI.
WHAT WE OUGHT TO REMEMBER.
Leghorn, April 5,1759.
As we can never be from under the eye of God, nor would choose to be cast out of his care; so Christ's kingdom should never be out of our mind, nor cast out of our concern. Besides, as we still think ourselves branches of the family to which we belong, and are glad to hear from our parents and relations of their welfare, however distant from them; so if we are members of mystical Zion, we will rejoice in her prosperity, and flourishing condition, though we be in the utmost parts of the earth. Surely, then, if I remember the Lord afar off, as I ought, the church will also come into my mind.
"How, then, have matters stood with Christ's kingdom, in the land of my nativity? What success has the glorious gospel had? how have the flocks been fed? how have people profited in the day of their merciful visitation? how has vice been suppressed, and true religion prevailed? how has truth been defended, and error exposed? how have the oppressed been relieved, and the heritage of God watered? what sons and daughters have been born in Zion? and are the true worshipers of the Father increased?"
These things, amidst all my other concerns, should go nearest my heart, and the interests of Christ's kingdom should be my first concern, wherever my habitation for a time may be, hoping he will brings me home again, and shows me both himself and his habitation. "If I forget you, O Jerusalem! let my right hand forget her cunning; if I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy."
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